Education Support Professional Council consists of thirteen (13) members all of whom are ESP school employees and members of the Illinois Education Association. The ESP council's goal is to represent and support ESP's throughout Illinois.
If you are an education employee hired after Jan. 1, 2011, you are enrolled in Tier Two of either the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) or the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Tier two pensions are unfair and inequitable. That is why our union is fighting to Undo Tier 2, and we have filed legislation (Senate Bill 2024) to do so. Graphics and fact sheets available at UndoTier2.org
What a fantastic time at the National Education Association’s Education Support Professional Conference in Las Vegas! So much learning, growing, and opportunities to make new friends and reconnect with old union family! Okay, how many of you like public speaking? Um, my fabulous friend Debra Ward-Mitchell and myself are definitely not fans, but we had several amazing opportunities to present and help facilitate multiple sessions. It was phenomenal!!
I want to encourage each of you to take a step out of your comfort zone. We truly can’t grow if we don’t push ourselves to get a little uncomfortable. You all have a power in side of you that is just waiting for you to release. Join us at our next rESPect meeting in April
https://www.mobilize.us/ieanea/event/592189/ The RESPECT Teams need you and your leadership to help us make the changes we need and deserve.
Amazing work is being accomplished at this year’s Representative Assembly. Many items are being brought to the floor…debated…and completed. It is important to have a voice in the direction our union will take over this next year. I encourage everyone to take an active role in your union because WE are IEA.
The IEA-NEA LOVEWORKS — Joy and Justice: Abolitionist Teaching in the Classroom has incorporated the goals of Read Across America and wants to provide funds to purchase diverse books for your classroom/school!
Monthly on Thursdays | 6 – 8 p.m.
Feb. 29 | March 28 | April 25 | May 30
Are you a local leader, building representative, committee chair or member looking for ways to build membership and increase local engagement? This four-part course will provide you with the tools necessary to build local capacity. Topics covered include the role leadership style and local structure plays when developing strong locals, how to increase membership growth, engagement, development, recruitment and retention, and how to create value for your members. All participants will develop a year-round organizing plan designed to fit your local, building or committee needs. We will also look at creative strategies for increasing membership participation. The sessions will be held the fourth Thursday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. Once you register for the first session, you will automatically be registered for the entire course. If you have any questions, please reach out to unioned@ieanea.org.
Facilitator: Crystal Bush, IEA UniServ Director – Elgin Office and Coordinator of Support & Services for ESPs
Your Education Support Professional Council and IEA staff have been working overtime planning and preparing for the representative assembly! The representative assembly is where elected IEA members come together to submit New Business Items, Resolutions, and Legislative Platform amendments that will set the direction of our union for the upcoming year.
I am so excited to share all of the RESPECT updates. If you are an ESP delegate don’t miss the ESP Open Hearing Thursday morning at 10:00am, on March 14th.
All delegates are invited to stop by the ESP Council and RESPECT tables for important information. We will have tons of resources, opportunities to take action to help move RESPECT, and yes…tons of prizes.
Education Support Professionals are essential to a high quality public education. ESPs are often the first to arrive and last to leave while supporting students health, safety, and academic success.
Learn how NEA members, staff, and leaders have partnered to build a strategic campaign to increase ESP visibility, rights, and respect.
Hear from three state affiliates—Massachusetts, Maryland, and Illinois—on how they built their campaign from the ground up, what successes and challenges they faced, and what resources and strategies they have for affiliates seeking to engage in their own campaign.
IEA Education Support Professional Council 